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Dear Supporter,

Éy swáyel (good day),

Thank you for staying connected with Chilliwack Hospice Society by continuing to subscribe to our newsletter!

Highlights in this email update include,

• Tickets for the 13th annual Hometown Hoedown for Hospice are now on sale, along with an exciting online 50/50 benefitting Chilliwack Hospice Society programs and services
• Pet Death Grief Support Group starting Monday, Mar. 16;
• Ongoing monthly drop-in programs for adult grief and bereavement, teen grief and bereavement, and caregiver support

Information on all these programs and more can be found on our website and social media.

We thank you for your continued support of Chilliwack Hospice Society. Please consider sharing our news, programs, and events with those in your personal and professional networks; further amplifying our message and increasing awareness of our cause across the community.

Kw'as hó:y (thank you).

With gratitude,

Desmond Devnich, AA, MCPRS

Director of Marketing & Communications

Chilliwack Hospice Society & Thrifty Boutique

desmond@chilliwackhospice.org

13th Annual Hometown Hoedown for Hospice

Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026 | Doors open at 6:00 p.m. | Evergreen Hall (9291 Corbould St.)

Dust off your cowboy hat and get ready for a boot-stompin’ good time! The 13th annual Hometown Hoedown for Hospice, presented by Century Plumbing and Heating, is back, bringing you an unforgettable night of country fun — all in support of Chilliwack Hospice Society.

Round up your family and friends and join us for:

• A mouth-watering barbecue dinner by Smoke and Bones BBQ
• Toe-tapping country music from The Dusty Boots Band, brought to you by Sarah Toop PREC, to keep you dancing all night long
• A lively TD Silent Auction filled with incredible items, including a special package sponsored by Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services
• The thrill of our fan-favourite mechanical bull
• Our online 50/50 for a chance to win big
• A selfie with friends at the Baker Newby LLP Photo Booth
• Delicious drinks from The Koller Group Cooler and more!

So, grab your cowboy boots, saddle up, and get ready for a rip-roarin’ night of fun! Must be 19+ years of age to attend.

Coffee and Compassion Drop-in Grief Support Circle

Mondays — Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 11 | 1–3:00pm | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Enjoy a cup of coffee and experience the compassion of our drop-in grief support circle. Facilitated once monthly on Monday afternoons starting at 1:00pm by Yuliia Kovalova, our Coffee and Compassion Circle offers the opportunity to connect with others who are grieving the death of a loved one, to improve your understanding of the grief process, to ask unanswered questions in a safe, supportive space, and to learn about the free programs and services offered by Chilliwack Hospice Society.

For more information about our grief and bereavement programs, please contact Yuliia Kovalova, MA, RCC, Bereavement Services Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email yuliia@chilliwackhospice.org.

Caring for the Caregiver Support Circle

Mondays — Mar. 30, Apr. 27, May 25 | 1–3:00pm | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Chilliwack Hospice Society hosts a monthly Caring for the Caregiver Support Circle the last Monday of the month from 1–3:00 p.m. Caring for a loved one who is dying is a great honour and privilege. The time and effort required can also cause stress and fatigue. You may begin to feel anticipatory grief for your dying person as their condition deteriorates.

Facilitated by Palliative Services Manager Candice Quesnel with volunteer Colleen Johnson, friends and family, as well as healthcare professionals, are welcome to join a group of fellow caregivers who understand what you’re going through.

• A Safe Space: Express and process your feelings in a non-judgmental environment
• Connection: Build meaningful relationships with others who understand your journey
• Support: Receive emotional and practical support tailored to your needs
• Resources: Access valuable information and tools to aid in your caregiving role
• Empowerment: Gain confidence and skills to better navigate the challenges of caregiving
• Camaraderie: Find solidarity and mutual encouragement among fellow caregivers
• Friendship: Develop lasting friendships with others who share your experiences and concerns

Trained Chilliwack Hospice Society client and patient volunteers are available upon request to provide companionship for your loved one while you attend the caregiver support group. 

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to join the Caring for the Caregiver Support Circle, please contact Candice Quesnel, BSW, RSW, Palliative Services Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email candice@chilliwackhospice.org.

Pet Death Grief Support Group

Mondays — Mar. 16–Apr. 13, 2026 | 6–8:00pm | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

The death of a pet can bring deep feelings of loss and sadness. Many people grieve quietly, without the understanding or support of family, friends or community. Sometimes, others may not recognize the death of a pet as a significant loss, leaving those who are grieving to feel isolated or dismissed.

This group offers a safe and caring space to share your story, express your feelings, and connect with others who understand the unique bond between people and their animals. Together, we honour the love and companionship our pets brought into our lives.

• Week 1 (Monday, Mar. 16): Understanding and Normalizing Pet Grief
• Week 2 (Monday, Mar. 23): Living with Grief Day to Day
• Week 3 (Monday, Mar. 30): Continuing Bonds and Memories
• Week 4 (Monday, Apr. 13): Self-Care, Finding Meaning, and Moving Forward Gently

Facilitated by BSW student social workers Gharaza Peerzada and Cat Janzen, the group for adults 18+ will meet Monday evenings once weekly for four consecutive weeks, excluding Easter Monday, starting March 16, 2026, from 6–8:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to join the Pet Death Grief Support Group, please contact Gharaza Peerzada / Cat Janzen, BSW Student Social Workers, at (778) 704-1054 or email student1@chilliwackhospice.org.

Men's Cooking Group

Saturdays — Mar. 28, Apr. 25, May 30 | 5–7:00pm | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Grieving the death of someone close can feel isolating — but you’re not alone. Join us on the last Saturday of each month from 5–7:00 p.m. for a casual, confidential evening of cooking and connection. This group is for men who want to share a meal and socialize with others who understand what it’s like to live with grief.

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to join the Men's Cooking Group, please contact Lucy Fraser, MSW, Director of Programs, at (604) 795-4660 or email lucy@chilliwackhospice.org.

In Grief Together: Teen Drop-In Grief Support Group

First Tuesday of each month | 3–4:30pm | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

In Grief Together is a monthly drop-in group for teens ages 14–18 who are grieving the death of someone close to them. Hosted by Chilliwack Hospice Society and facilitated by our Child and Youth Program managers Kaylee Lovesy and Karlee Gross, this group offers a safe, relaxed space to connect with others who just get it.

Whether you want to talk, listen, or simply be around others who understand what grief feels like, this group is here for you. There's no pressure and no need to sign up — just come as you are.

Held the first Tuesday of each month from 3–4:30pm at Chilliwack Hospice Society.

Pre-registration is not required. For more information on In Grief Together: Teen Drop-In Grief Support Group, please contact Kaylee Lovesy, BSW, RSW, Child & Youth Program Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email kaylee@chilliwackhospice.org.

Relaxation Program

Mondays & Wednesdays, by appointment | Chilliwack Hospice Society (7112 Vedder Road)

Volunteers provide weekly treatments featuring energy-based modalities such as Healing Touch and Reiki to promote calmness and healing. These sessions, available at Chilliwack Hospice Society or by request in Cascade Hospice Residence, support palliative and bereaved individuals in reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

To learn more about our Relaxation Program or to book an appointment, please contact Lucy Fraser, MSW, Director of Programs, at (604) 795-4660 or email lucy@chilliwackhospice.org.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.